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Mathews added that city leaders want the city to be known for its focus on the family and family entertainment. Moviehouse & Eatery, which calls itself a family-oriented entertainment business, opened in Keller late last year, and Mathews said the city wants to make similar additions and amenities to offer residents.

2015 certainly has an auspicious feeling to the mayor, who said the biggest opponent Keller faces is communication.

“Our biggest obstacle is a lack of understanding from different parties of what’s happening and what’s proposed to be happening,” Mathews said. “We need communication that is constructive.”

The new year also is bringing several new projects — or updates and improvements — to Keller.

The big event of 2015 was expected to be announced this week. The city has taken a leadership role in the planning of a giant spring festival that will combine “Kellerfest” with “Taste of Keller.”

“I think it’s going to be one of the best celebrations that Keller has had,” Mathews said.

Several road and railroad construction projects, park improvements and master plan updates are on the 2015 docket in Keller.

Progress will be made on the construction of the state-of-the-art sports park near Old Town Keller, and the city wants to “continue moderate growth” with a “business-friendly” attitude.

However, “developing a great sense of community” is an important, and often overlooked, part of town planning.

“We have a unique culture, a unique history and nobody else has it,” he said. “My goal is to make sure the kids (living here now) are going to feel the same way as we do today.”